Tying machine



Jan. 18, 1944.

H, HARVEY TYING4 MACHINE Filed Jan. 16, 1939 1o sheets-sheet 1 Jan. 18,1944. H. HARVEY 2,339,395

\ mue MACHINE Y Filed Jan. 1e, 1959 l 1o sheeislseet 2 f/frew/b/ 7E/vane?" fin/Parr HMM Jan. 1s, 1944. l H, HARVEY 2,339,395

TYING MACHINE Jan. 1s, 1944.

H. HARVEY TYING MACHINE Filed Jan. 1e, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 y jfs wif/afjv Jan. 18, 1944. HARVEY I 2,339,395

TYING MACHINE Filed Jan. 1'6, 1939 Y 1o 'sheets-she# 5 18, 1944. H HARVEY 2,339,395

TYING MACHINE Filed Jan. 16, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 18, 1944. H, HARVEY v 2,339,395

TYING MACHINE Fild Jan. 16, .1.939 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Il l lll 111// Jan. 18,'1944. H. HARVEY 2,339,395

' TYING' MACHINE Filed Jan. 16, 1959 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Ja .19. 723

Jan. 18, 1944. H. HARVYE'Y 2,339,395

TYING MACHINE Filed Jan. 16, 1939 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 W 1.

Patented Jan. 18, 1944 UNITED lSTATES PATENT OFFICE 2,339,395 l TYING MACLHNE Herbert Harvey, Los Angeles, Calif. Application January 1c, 1939, 'ser-nino. 4251,125

11 Claims.

This invention relates to a binding or tying machine and relates more particularly .to a machine A`for binding bundles, boxes, packages, cartons, etc., with wire. A general object of this invention is to provide a practical, eiective ltying or binding 'machine of the, character mentioned.

Another and important object of this invention is to provide a tying machine embodying novel and improved means for Wrapping, laying or training the wire around the box, bundle or object to be bound.

Another and important object -of the invention is to provide a tying machine of the character referred to embodying means operative at the completion of the vtying and severing operations for 'shifting' the first gripping means from its active position to a position to receive the cut end portion of the Wire from the second gripping means and for then returning the first gripping means to its normal active position to thread the tie forming means and thus condition the machine for the next operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tying machine of the character mentioned in which a wire directing means on a rotatable ring wraps or trains the Wire about the box or object to be bound `and tied preparatory to the tying operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tying machine of the character mentioned in. which the ring carrying the Wire training or wrapping means is intermittently rotated in one direction only, being put into operation by a simple manual act of the operator and being automatically stopped and disengaged from its simple one-way drive at the completion of one revolution during which revolution the wire is closely wrapped or trained about the bundle, box or article being bound.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character referred to embodying a, clamping means automatically put into operation at the start of the Wire wrapping operation to securely hold the box or other article in place to receive the Wire binding, and automatically retracted from the article or box before the tie is made and ejected.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned in which a control part or cam on the wire wrapping or training ring acts to disengage the drive for the ring, to condition or actuate the second gripping means of the tie forming means, and to engage Va. clutch to initiate the wire tying operations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tying machine of the character mentioned embodying novel Iadjustable means for 'applying and Y tying machine of the character mentioned including a 'safety Icontrol for interlocking means preventing actuation 'of` the wire wrapping or training means during the tying operation.

Another `object of th'e invention is to provide a tying machine of the character referred to in which one ofthe gripping vmeans forming a part of the tying mechanism is moved and controlled in timed relation to the other elements of the machine to tension the wire during the tying operation and to re-threa-d the wire in the tying mechanism at the ycompletion of the tying and severing operations, 'thus leliminating a separate tensioning element and a separate re-threading element.

Another Vobject jof this invention is to provide a tying machine of the ycharacter referred to in which a minimum of manual operations are required. In operating the machine of the present invention it is only necessary to place the box or object in position to receive the Wire binding and to operate a pedal, or the like, to initiate the 'object holding and the wire Wrapping, tying, severing, and tie ejecting operations.

Another object of this 'invention is to provide a tying machine of the character referred tothat operates rapidly 'and smoothly and that requires little or no attention.

The various objects and features of my invention vwill be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of my invention,l throughout which description ,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l. is a side view of the machine `provided by this invention. Fig. 2 is 'a vertical sectional View of the' Vmachine taken substantially as indicated by line 2--2 on Fig. 1, showing the principal elements in elevation. Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan View of the machine with the top removed and showing the wire Wrapping ring in horizontal cross section and illustrating the principal parts in elevation. Fig. 4 is anenl'arged fragmentary end view illustrating the clutches and control parts. Fig. 5 is a vfragmentary vertical detailed sectional View of one of the clutches, being a view taken as indicated byline 5-5 on Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view with the wire Wrapping ring appearing in broken lines, being a view illustrating the cam actuated control elements. Figs. 1-6, inclusive, of the drawings, illustrate the parts in the normal or resting positions. Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the iirst gripping means showing rit in position to grip the wire presented bythe second gripping means. Fig. 8 is `an enlarged fragmentary side elevation ofthe wire tying and gripping means showing the parts in the initial positions. Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are more or less diagrammatic views of certain of the wire gripping and tying parts illustrated in Fig. 8, showing the various positions of the second gripping means. enlarged vertical sectional View illustrating the first gripping means. Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan view showing parts of the tie forming means in horizontal cross section and illustrating the wire in position to be tied. Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 showing the Wire being severed fol- Fig. 12 is an Y lowing the tying operation. Fig, 15 is a view simp ilar'to Fig. 13 showing the tie being ejected from the wire tying means. Fig. 16 is an enlarged vertical sectional View illustrating the means for controlling and shifting the first gripping means in connection with the re-threading operations. Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 16 illustrating the means for controlling and actuating the wire separating; severing'and tie ejecting means. Fig. 18 is 'an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional view of the i'lrst gripping means showing the gripping jaw held in the released or open position. Fig. 19 is an enlarged vertical sectional iview illustrating the means for controlling and operating the wire tying means. Fig. 20 is an enlarged vertical sectional View of the second gripping means and the. means for controlling and` operating the same. Fig. 21 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the means for turning or oscillating the carrierof the first gripping means during the re-threading operations. Fig. 22 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the means rfor opening and closing the gripping jaw of the second gripping means. Fig. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary plan View of a portion of the means for controlling 'and operating the gripping jaw of the second gripping means. Fig. 24 is a fragmentary side elevation taken as indicated by line 24-24 on Fig.' 2, illustrating the means for adjustably supporting the clamp carrying beam. Fig. 25`is an enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 25-25 `on' Fig. 24, and Fig. 26 is an enlarged, fragmentary elevation view illustrating the wire training and tensioning means on the ring.

The 'binding or tying machine of theV present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a supporting frame I0, a ring II rotatably mounted on the frame I0', shuttle means or wire training means I2 on the ringv II engaging a wire W to wrap or train the wire about an object or box B when the ring II is rotated, means I3 for operating' and controlling the ring 'II, holding means 9 for holding the object or box B during the'wire wrapping operation, a tie forming mechanism comprising spaced gripping means I4 and I5 forV gripping the wire W, tie forming means I6 between the gripping means I 4 and I5 operable to twist or form a tie in the wire W trained about the box B, means I1 yfor separating the wire W during the tie foi-ming operation, for severing wire following the tie forming operation and for ejecting the completed ltie from the means I 6,

means I8 for shifting and controlling the gripping means I4 to tension the wire W on the box B preparatory to the tying operation and to rethread the wire W at the completion of the tying operation, control means for the tie forming mechanism controlled by the ring II and various other parts and mechanisms the details and functions of which will be hereinafter described.

The supporting frame Ill is provided to carry the various parts of the machine andmay be formed and proportioned to act asa table for supporting the articles or boxes B to be bound. In the construction illustrated the supporting frame I0 includes legs or uprights 2U and upper and lower horizontal members 2I and 22 extending vbetween and connecting the uprights. The uprights 2i! and the horizontal members 2I and 22 may be formed of angle iron. A plate or top 23 is provided on the upper side of the supporting frame I0. The upper side of the top 23 is preferably iiat and horizontal to form a table or supportfor the object or box B being bound. It is to be understood that the supporting frame I 0 may be of any suitable construction and design and that the invention is not to be limited to the employment of the. particular frame I0 illustrated.

The ring II is a driven or rotatable element and is provided to carry the means I2 which trains or wraps the Wire W around the object or box on the top 23. The ring II is a rigid continuous member and in the construction illustrated is rotatable about a fixed horizontal axis. Suitable supporting and bearing means are provided on the frame I0 to carry the ring II. Two uprights 20 of the frame l0 may be extended to project upwardly beyond t' .e top 23 and vertical plates 24 are secured to the outerA side of the extended portions of the uprights 20. The vplates 24 are shaped to define or have a horizontal opening 25 whose diameter is some'- What larger than the internal diameter of the ring II. The ring II` is arranged between the spaced plates 24 in concentric relation to the opening 25. An annular series of spaced rollers 26 carriesthe ring II for rotation. The rollers 26 are rotatably supported between the plates 24 by suitable pins or shafts 21 extending between the spaced plates. The ring II may have an external or peripheral flange 28 and the rims of the bearing rollers 26 may be grooved t0 receive the ange 28. The ring II supported as just described has its major portion projecting above the top 23 and has a part extending below the top 23 at one edge of the top.

The means I2 is in the nature of a shuttle means or wire handling means carried by the ring to wrap or train the wire about the box B, it being understood that the leading or cut end portion of the wire W is held by the rst gripping means I 4 during the rotation' of the ringv II. This function of the gripping means I4 will be hereinafter described. The means I2 is adapted to receive or handle the wire W extending from a supply drum or reel 29 suitably supported at a point spaced from the machine. In the preferred construction the wire training or wrapping'means I2 includes a bracket 30 secured to` the ring I I. 'Ihe bracket 3U projects outwardly or laterally from the ring II to protrude beyond the outer plate 24. An eye 3I is provided in the outer portion of the bracket 30 to receive and direct the incoming wire W. A roller 32 is rotatably supported on the bracket adjacent the eye 3| to receive and guide the wir@ as it leaves the eye.. .A .second .guide .roller 33 of larger diameter is supported .on .a pin 34 plilng .,lIQIIl .the blkl .39 .t0 .be ,disDUSed Within Athe j rngll The-.wire passes inwardly from .the eye ..3 I to the roller 3.2 and extends over the periphery .of the roller 33, then leaves the roller 33 at the inner side ,of .the ring Il.

In accordance with the invention the means I2 vincludes a tensioning sheave or roller 35. T he tensioning roller .35 is :spaced .between the guide rollers 32 and 33 and is disposed at the opposite side of vthe Wire W. The tensioning roller .3.5 is rotatable on the eccentric portion of an adjustable pin 3.8 carried by ,the bracket k3Il. The roller 35 engaging the wire W at a .point between .the rollers 32 and 33 provides a drag on the Wire W so that a desirable tension is placed on the wire as it is wrapped about the object .or box B. By adjusting .the shaft or pin 36 the tension thus put on kthe Wire W may be varied. The means I 2 for wrapping or training the wire W about the box B further includes a pulley or sheave 31 arranged at the forward or inner side of the rotatable ring II. The sheave 31 turns about a substantially horizontal axis and is carried by a pin 38 projecting from a part 39 secured to the inner side of the ring II. The wire W extends from the roller 33 to pass over the sheave 31 and then leaves the sheave 31 to extend to the tying mechanism.

A -pin or keeper 1 is provided adjacent the periphery of the sheave 31 for retaining the wire W on the sheave. With the ring in its initial or idle position illustrated in Fig. 1, the wire W extends substantially horizontally from the sheave 31 to the gripping means I4 and l5 and the tie forming means I6. The ring II is turned one complete revolution in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. l during each cycle of operation and the wire W engaged and directed by the means I2, as just described, is closely wrapped about the box B on the top 23 with suitable tension. The roller 31 bends the wire W as the ring II rotates to shape the wire in such a manner that the wire hugs the sides of the object or box B by reason of its resiliency and shape or curvature.

The means I3 for operating and controlling the wire training ring II is operable by suitable power means to rotate the ring one revolution in each cycle of operation o f the machine. The means I3 is starteed by a manual operation and is stopped at the end of the revolution of the ring II by the action of a control part on the ring. The power means for operating the means I3 and the other elements of the ma chine may be in the nature of an electrical motor 40 mounted in the supporting frame III. A case 4I is hung or xed inthe upper portion of the supporting frame I!) and the means I3 includes a shaft 42 extending horizontally through the case 4L A drive is provided between the driving motor 4 0 and the shaft 42. Thisv drive may comprise a pulley 43 on the shaft of the motor 43, a larger pulley 1.14 fixed tothe shaft 42 and a belt I5a operating over the pulleys 43 and 44. The ring operating means I3 further includes a manually controlled and mechanically controlled clutch. This clutch may be of any selectedror suitable type. In the drawings I have shown a two-unit type of clutch of the character disclosed in Patent No. 1,753,085, granted April l, 1930. One unit 45 of the clutch has its outer. or female,

part fixed or keyed to the shaft 42 while the 75 other .unit '4&6 of the .clutch has .its .co-:respond- .ing mart .suitablyxed :to ithe supporting 'frame .Ill or :to one .of .the .plates '2.4 so ftha't sthe '..un'it 45 acts ras .a .driving .unit 'while :the :unit ,146 serves :as :a holding .or brake unit. A shaft L41 is rotatably supported rvby a ybearing '.48 .on one of the .plates $24 ,and :extends `into the .clutch in fcoaxial :relation to .the .shaft ,42 v.and .the units 45 and dt.. .A pinion 49 is fixed or keyed ato the shaft @i1 .between .the plates 24 andmeshes with ring .gear teeth 5I] .on .the above described peripheral ilange 28 of the ring '.IjI. It lis to :be observed that .the pinion 49 .and 4the iring .gear teeth 5.0 provide a Substantial speed .reduction between .the shaft 2.41 and the ring IfI.

The clutch of the means I3 includes a yoke `5l xed .or 4keyed .to a .shaft 52'turnably supported by :bearings .52a ,on the frame II). 'The yoke .5.1! `engages the .shiftable .element 53 :of vthe clutch `,and Vis movable to shift .the element 53 between a position where it engages or clutches the'shaft 41 with the driving or rotating unit 45 and a :position rwhere .it clutches or engages :the Shaft f4.1 with 4the stationary unit 46. 'With the yoke 15j. and element v5.3 yin the positions illustrated in Figs. 2 .and 4, the element .53 .clutches the shaft t1 :with the .stationary unit 46Y so that the ring Il is held againstrotation in aposition Where the Wire "W extends substantially 4horizentallygffnom the sheave 312150 .the gripping means -fl and Vl5andthe .tie ormngmeans i6.

kfljhe means I3 for voperating .and .controlling the ring .Il further .includes a .manual control or operating means yfor the above described clutch. The manual operating .means When 'in the `form a pedal means, as illustrated, 'includes a pedal 5.4 o tally .carried by a `bracket 55 on the frame s-ti'ueizlre and projecting outwardly" from 'the frame Id to be readily depressed by the operator. A link or rod 55 has a suitable pivoted yoke .connection with the pedal 54 and extends upwardly in the supporting frame I0. A yoke 51 on the upper end of the rod 56 is pivotally connected with a lever 55. The lever A58 'is pivotally carried by a pin 59 on a lever 6I) which in turn is iixed to a .shaft GI pivotally carried by a suitable bracket 53. The lever -6 is normally held against movement by a spring 63 and the function and operation of the lever 60 will be subsequently described. The means I3 further includes an arm or lever 54 keyed or fixed to the yoke shaft 52 and engageable by a. lug 65 on the above described lever 53. Upon depression of the pedal 54 the lug 65 engages the lever 64 to pivot the lever and thus turn the 'shaft 52 to shift the yoke 5I in a direction to engage the element 53 with the driving unit 45. This results'in rot-ation of the shaft 41 and turning of the Wire trainingring II.

The control and operating means I3 for the a tion of its revolution includes a bell crank 63 pivotally supported by a pin 61 projecting from the inner plate Z4 (see Fig. 6). 'Ille bell crank 66 has a sloping finger 63 at its upper end engage able by a cam face 63 onthe ring II. The cam face 65 may be provided on the part 39 referred to above. Aspiring 13 is connected with a secondv nger 1I on the upper end'of the bell crank- 66 and holds the bell crank'in positionto YhaveA its -nger 68 engaged by the cam face 69. The lower. arm of the bell crank 56 has a pivotal connection with a link 12. The link 12 in turn has a pivotal connection with a lever 13 freely pivoted on the yoke shaft 52. A releasable latch connection is provided between the above described'lever 64 and the lever 13. This latch connection includes a hook or shoulder 14 on the inner arm of the lever 13 and a latch 15 pivoted von the lever 64 and cooperable with the shoulder 14. 'The outer or lower nger of the latch 15 is engageable by the lug 65 of the lever 58 when the pedal 54 is depressed whereby depression of the pedal serves to release the latch 15 and thus disengage the lever 64 from the lever 13.

With the wire wrapping or training ring II in itsjidle position illustrated throughout the drawings, the cam face 69 is in engagement with the finger 68 to hold the bell crank 66 and its associated elements in position Where the clutch element 53 is in cooperation with the stationary clutch unit 46. As above described, the engagement of the shiftable clutch element 53 with the clutch unit 46 holds the ring II against rotation. Upon depression of the pedal 54 by the operator the latch 15 is released from the shoulder 14 just before the yoke 5I is shifted to engage the clutchelement 53 with the driving clutch unit 45. When .the ring II begins to turn the cam face 69 moves out of engagement with the finger 66 of the bell crank 66 and the spring 10 returns the bell crank to a position against a stop 8. Return movement of the bell crank 66 is accompanied by movement of the link 12 and movement of the lever 13, the lever 13 moving to a position where its shoulder 14 reengages the latch 15. Thus the latch 15 is reconditioned as soon as the cam face 69 and the part 39 pass the bell crank nger 68.

When the wire wrapping or training ring II approaches the end of its revolution the cam face 69 moves into engagement with the finger 68 to causepivoting of the bell crank 66. The bell crank 66 is pivoted to move the link 12 downwardly and to pivot the lever 13. The latch 15 carried by the lever 64 and cooperating with the shoulder 14 transmits the movement from the lever 13 to the lever 64 so that the yoke 5I is moved to shift the .clutch element 53 away from the driving unit 45 into engagement with the stationary braking unit 46. This engagement of the clutch element 53 with th'e unit 46 stopsrotation of the ring II. The ring II is stopped in a position where the Wire W passes substantially horizontally from the sheave 31 to the gripping means I4 and I5 and the tie forming means I 6. It is to be observed that the means I3 described above produces one complete revolution of the wire wrapping or training ring II when the operator depresses the pedal 54 and assures the return of the ring to its normal position when the wire W has been eifectively wrapped about the object or box Bon the top 23.

The means 9 is provided to securely hold the object or box B against movement during the above rdescribed wire training or wrapping operation. 'I'he means 9 is preferably, although not necessarily, a fluid pressure operated means, say a pneumatic means. In accordance with the invention the means 9 is automatically or mechanically put into operation substantially simultaneously with the initiation of the wire wrapping operation, just described, and is automatically or mechanically retracted at the completion of the wire wrapping operation.

The object or box holding means 9 includes a beam 236 shiftably guided and supported by guides 23! on the upwardly extending frame uprights 20. The beam 230 is adjustable vertically to adapt the means 9 to hold boxes and objects of diierent heights. Spaced openings 232 are provided in the guides 23| and pins 233 are passed through openings in the beam 230 and through selected pairs of openings 232 to support the beam in the selected elevation (see Fig. 24). As illustrated inthe drawings, the beam 230 may be formed of channel stock. The means 9 further includes a vertically disposed cylinder 234 carried by the beam 230 and projecting downwardly from the beam. The opposite ends of the cylinder 234 are closed by caps or heads 235. A bracket 236 on the upper cylinder head 235 is secured to the beam 239 to connect the cylinder with the beam'. In the preferred construction the cylinder 234 is carried by the beam 230 for horizontal adjustment. The cylinder bracket 236 is secured to the beam 230 by a pin 231 adapted to extend into any one of a plurality of horizontally spaced pairs of transverse openings 238 in the beam 230 to mount or support the cylinder 234 in the selected position.

A ram or plunger 239 projects downwardly through the lower cylinder head 235 and carries a Work-engaging member 249. A pivot pin 24| secures the member 240 to the plunger 239 for pivoting about a horizontal axis, The box engaging member 246) may be formed of channel iron and is preferably shaped to evenly engage the upper sides of the articles or boxes B being handled by the machine. In practice down-turned ngers may be providedron the opposite ends of the box engaging member 246. The member 24U being pivoted on the plunger 239 may accommodate itself to the shape and disposition of the box B on the top 23. A flange 242 or a similar means may be provided on the top 23 to locate the box B for proper engagement by the member 240. It is preferred to provide means for preventing rotating of the member 246 and plunger 239. Spaced pins or rodsI 243 are xed to the member 240 and project upwardly from the member to pass at opposite sides of the cylinder 234. A horizontal plate 244 is secured to the lower cylinder head 235 and has slots 245 shiftably passing the rods 243 The cooperation of the rods 243 with the slots 245 prevents turning of the member 240 about a vertical axis and allows the member 240 to pivot on the pin 24| to accommodate itself to the box B on the top 23.

The means 9 further includes an automatic control whereby depression of the pedal 54 causes downward actuation of the member 246 against the box B and whereby the member 246 is raised from the box B when the wire wrapping ring `I I` approaches the end of its travel. The control and actuating means for the means 9 includes a pipe 246 leading from a suitable source of air under pressure (not shown) and extending to a valve V. The valve V may be suitably mounted in the supporting frame I 6. A pipe 241 extends from the valve V to the upper end of the cylinder 234 and a similar pipe 248 extends from the valve V to the lower end of the cylinder 234 (see Fig. 2). The valve V has an exhaust 249. An operating lever 256 is provided on the valve V and is shiftable between a position where the pipe 248 is in communication with the pipe 243 and the pipe 241Yis in communication with the exhaust 249 and a position where the pipe 241 is irl-communication with the supply pipe 246l and the'pi'pe 2418- is-inl communication with the exhaust' 245. Suitable stops on the valve V stop the lever 25D initstwo positions. A spring 254 may be connected with the valve lever 250- to normally urge'the valve' lever to the position where the pipe V24TH leading to the upper end of the cylinder isinl communication with the supply pipe 245;

A suitable control member 252 is pivotally con nected with the valve lever 250 and is provided with a shoulder 253 (see Figs. 2 and 4).. above describedl lever 54 has a depending iinger 254 cooperating with the shoulder 253 on the member 252. A spring 255 may initially hold the member 252 in a position where its shoulder 253 cooperates with the finger 254. The control member 252 has an upwardlyV extending projection 256 engageable by theabove described latch 15. When the pedal 54 is depressed by the operator the latch 'I5 is moved downwardly bythe part 65 to engage the upper end of therprojectio'n` 255. This engagement results in downward shifting of the member 252 and disengagement of the shoulder 253 from the nger 254. Upon the release of the shoulder 253 from the' linger 254- the spring 25| turns.Y the valve lever 251i) and shifts the control member 252. The spring 251 turns the valve lever 255 to a position Where the pipe 241 is in communication with the supply pipe 246 and the pipe 248 has communication with the exhaust 249. Thus air under pressure is supplied to the'upper end' of the cylinder 234 to shift the member 243' downwardly into clamping or holding engagement with the box B. Whenthe shoulder 253 is disengaged from the ringer 254, as just described, the member 252 rides under the lower end of the iing'er 254.

It is to be observed'that the means S'for holding. the box B is put into operation to securely clamp the box B against movement on the top 23 immediately before .or substantially simultaneously with the engagement of the clutch element 53 with the' drivingV clutch unit 45 so that the means 9 operates to clamp the box B in position justpreceding'the start of rotation of the wire training ring H. Wnen the ring.y Il approaches the end vof its travel the cam face Gi'iveperates the bell crank E3 and theshaft 52 to diseng'ag'e'theE clutch element 53 from the drive clutch unit 45 asv described above. As the lever 64 is keyed or xed to the clutch yoke shaft 52 the'shifting of` the member. 53 through the action of .the cam face 69 is accompanied by turning of the lever 64 and movement of the finger 254. The lower end of the finger 254 cooperates with the shoulder to shift the control member 252 and thus turn the' Valve lever 25). The valve lever 250 is returned t its initial position by this action, putting the:

pipe 241 in communication with the exhaust 249 and putting the pipe 248 in communicationwth the supply pipe 245. The air under pressure admitted to the lower end of the cylinder 234 raises the box engaging memberv 240 and returns the member to its normal raised position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. Thus the means 9- is retracted and disengaged from the box B at the end of travelof the ring I I.

The-

The tie forming mechanism of the machine as means I8 for shifting the grippingmeans'` I4 to re-thread-- the -mechanism and the Vappropriate mechanisms for controlling' and operating `these means in# the correct timed relation; The tie forming nf'ie'chanism-isA mechanically put# into operation at the completion-oi thekvvire' Wrapping or training operation ofthe ring I'lv and? follows through its4 several operations in ai' given sequence to produce a'- secure tiefin'- the-leonor wire W trained about the boxfB. A-` fea-ture` of' the tie forming mechanism' isfthev means" I3 for controllingand operatingthegripping-mearis I4y in'timed relation tothe operation of` thef other elements to Vre-thread the mechanism at the". completion of its series of movenie'r'iisand operations so"that it isiunnecessary for thel operatori' orf workmanto handlelv tliel wire" W to re-thread the machine.

The ti'e forming .mechanismY is"-v preferably carried Within the supporting frame llis belowth-e t'op `23a-nd may be driven or operated-by the" above described-motor 'lill'.v The'- tie` forming? mechanism includes-a marini shaft I5 extending horizontally within thei case/siii and supported-1 by suitable bearings ll. A seoond'slfia't-- 18 isisupportedby bearings 'i3 to be in s'pacedjparallelY relatior'i'j to theV main sliait i6. Meshing g'ears8l'l' andl iixed tol the shafts I-andl'Iform a drive-`between the shafts. 'AY clutched drive 'isprovidedfbtween the shaft 42 and'tl'enfian'fshatl'*of thetiforming mechanism: This'-\dr`ve-includesVanouter-part 0r drive sleeve 82 carried by a suitableibearing 8-3 onl the case-4i anddiiiveh by theslflaft 42^through suitable speed reduction 'gearing '84.* TheI shaft 'I 5 extends through the sie'evesr-'endle suit-ab gie revoiunonlfeiutehf o is--prevded td; engg'evor clutch the shaftfewitn thefdrives1eevee2- The clutch C illustrated-m1thedrawigswui-bellater considered nr detail.'- A1 casting-er' b lietr` 85v is exea-,to` the-case 41" adjacent tnefring Il to carry' various elements f of the" tiefor'm'ing" mechanism. Y

The 'rst active or wire engagingmeans of the tie formingy mechanism ris the gripping means I4. The first gripping-means I4 operates to grip and" holdthe free-cr? entend-portion vofthe wireW throughout the'ftieforrrihg' operatioiisandfiscon'- treuen and shifted by the-*meenslste reread the'v tie forrnin'gV mechanism fo'r th 'l'suc'c" ding operation. 'Iheg'ripping means AI4f1s ca" led'by" al shiftable and Eturiiableiro'd or? ca'rerlfand is best illustratede in Figsi' 7 and `'Iheirod` o1' carrier' S5 is'horizontally arrange and is sup-' ported to shift-axiallyy andt'o'osillate or` turn aboutits longitudinali axis'. The carrier'fmay belsupported bygsuitetieb'earings aren the freine lll'and a bracket 85 andis arranged/fte extend across aside off'the framelfadjacent the'inner plete 2t eridfbeiew niej tep'z:

`The rodA orcarrierfSS' is provide'dwith' a pair of spaced generally-'parallel projeeting" armsf'll'.' A suitablehardenedwear-resisting plateisfixed to the innerside of one'of th'earms an'dhasfa'n in: turned` outer portion* forming the `ranvililalrt of the'gripping means' I4. A' dog orjaW'BIl is` pivote-ily supported/between' the arms 8'8an`d has an' eccentric toothed "active f facev 9 I" adapted' toJ in the opening 95 acts on the plunger 94 to pivot the dog 93 and tq'urge the jaw 98 into the wire gripping relation to the anvil part 89. Y

A latch means is provided to hold the gripping jaw 98 in the released condition. A lever or pawl 91 is pivotally supported between the arms 88 in adjacent relation to the dog 93 and a tooth or lug 98 projects from the pawl 91 to cooperate with the teeth 92. A spring 99 is arranged under compression between the pawl 91 and the carrier 88 to urge the pawl 91 to a position where its lug 98 holds the gripping jaw 90 retracted. The pawl 91 projects beyond the arms 88 to be engaged by anotherrelement of the machine as will be subsequently described. `The carrier 86 is normally in a position where the `arms 88 project in an upward direction in spaced relation to one end of the tie forming means I6. The jaw 98 of the grip ping means I4 initially grips the free or cut end part of the wire W and the wire W is stretched or trained between the gripping means I4 and the sheave 31v topass through the twisting means or tie forming means I6 and to pass in front of the second gripping means I5. The elements and mechanisms for `operating and controllingthe gripping means I4 will be hereinafter described.

Thesecond gripping means I5 is provided to grip the wire W adjacent the tie forming means I8 and the means I1 during the tie forming, wire severing and tie ejecting operations and until the first gripping means I4 has re-engaged the wire W for-the rethreading operation. The second gripping means I5 is located adjacent one side or end of the tie forming means I6, the rst gripping means I4 being located at one side or end of the tie forming means I8 and the second gripping means I5 being located adjacent the other side or end of the tie forming means. The second gripping means I5 includes a block-like body |00 shiftably carried by the bracket 85 (see Figs. 20 and 23). Thebody |00 may be supported and guided in a channel in the bracket 85 to have horizontal movement. A spring latch 2| I cooperates with anotch 2|2 in the body |88 to initially hold the second gripping means I5 in a retracted position (see Fig. 3). The outer end portion of the body |00,A is adapted to project from the bracket 85 to be in engaging relation to the .wire W and the outer end of the body |80 is b evelled or pointed to assist in clearing or guiding the Wire. T he f lower portion of the body |88 is notched or recessed to provide the body with an inwardly facing anvil part |8I. A gripping jaw |82 is pivotally supported in the notched lower side of the body and has a toothed eccentric face adapted to oppose the anvil part IOI and adapted to grip the wire W. The gripping means I is initially retracted clear of the wire W and remains retracted during the wire wrapping or wire training operation of the ring I I.

The second gripping means I5 is fed outwardly into the wire engaging position when the ring I approaches the end of its revolution. 'Ihe means for projecting the gripping means I5 includes a link |83 pivotally connected with the rear end of the gripper body |80 and extending inwardly through the case 4 A lever I 84 is pivotally carried by a bracket |85 on the exterior of the case 4I and has its upper end in cooperation with the link |03. A bracket |00 on the lower forward portion of the case 4I carries a pivoted bell crank I 01. A link |88 is pivotally connected with the lower end of the lever I 84 and extends forwardly to the lower arm of the bell crank |81. A yielding conne'ctionis provided between the link |88 and the bell crank |01. A yoke |09 on the bell crank |81 engages about the link |08 and a compression spring I|0 is engaged between the yoke I 89 and a shoulder I I on the link to provide for the transmission of movement from the bell crank to the link. The bell crank |01 has an upper arm projecting outwardly or forwardly toward the adjacent plate 24.

The cam face 09 on the ring II operates the linkage just described to project the gripping means I 5 before it cooperates with the bell crank finger 88 to effect the release of the clutch ele- 'ment 53 of the means I3. A shoe |I2 is pivotally supported by a pin II3 on the inner plate 24 and extends to the bell crank |01. An opening I|4 in the outer portion of the shoe -I I2 receives a reduced part of the forward or upper arm of the bell crank 01. The shoe |I2 is lo cated in the path of travel of the part 39 to be engaged by the cam face 69. When the cam face 69 engages the shoe I2 the shoe is pivoted downwardly so that the bell crank |81 is pivoted, .the link |88 is shifted and the lever |04 is pivoted to project the gripper body |80. This brings the means I5 to its active wire engaging position.

The gripping jaw |02 of the second gripping means I5 is actuated to grip the wire W following the projection of the body as just described. This actuation of the gripping jaw |02 follows o1' is substantially simultaneous with the stopping of the wire wrapping ring II., The means for controlling and actuating the jaw |02 of the gripping means I5 includes a link IIB pivotally connected with the tail of thejaw |02 (see Figs. 22 and 23). A slot I1 in the link I IB receives a pin I I8 on a bell crank I9. Thebell crank I I9 may be suitably supported on the case 4|. A link |20 is pivotally connected With the inner arm of the bell crank I I9 and extends rearwardly in the case 4| to an upstanding lever I2I. The lever |2| is pivotally supported on a shaft |22 arranged in spaced parallel relation to the shafts 16 and 18. A spring |23 is connected with the lever |2I to urge the link |20, lever |2I and bell crank I I9 rearwardly. The spring v10 is attached to the link IIS to urge the jaw |02 to the wire gripping position.

The invention includes a control means for initially holding the gripping jaw |82 against actuation, which control means is actuated or released by the cam face 69 on the rotating ring The control means for governing the actuation of the gripping jaw |02 includes a bell crank |24 pivotally supported by a pin |25 on the side of the case 4|. The bell crank |24 has an upper arm normally engaging the edge of the above described bell crank I I9. A spring |26 is connected with the bell crank |24 to normally hold its upper arm in a position in cooperation with the edge of the bell crank I|9 and its lower arm against a stop 6 on the side of the case 4|. A control member |21 is pivotally secured to the lower arm of the bell crank |24 and extends from the bell crank |24 to a point beyond the bell crank 66. A notch |28 is provided in the upper edge of the member |21 and is adapted to receive a lug |29 on the ringer 1| of the bell crank 66. Spring means |38a is provided to yieldingly hold the member |21 in a position where the notch |28 may receive the lug |29.

When the cam face 69 moves past or out of cooperation with the finger 88 at the start of the rotation of the' ring II the spring 10 moves the bell crank 66 to a position where the lug |29 is received inthe notch |28. When the wire wrapping ortraining ring completes its revo@ lution the cam face 60 cooperateswiththe nger 68 to pivot the bell crank 66 as` described above to stop rotation of the ring` II. During this last' mentioned pivotal movement ofthe bell crank 66 the lug |29 cooperates with the notch |28 to move the member |21 and. to pivot the bell crank |24. This movementof the bell crank |24moves. iti-freeof the bellcrank |l| 9; When the bell crank |24V is disengaged from the bell crank ||0 the spring operates the link I.,I6 to move the gripping jaw |02 into gripping engagement with the wire W. From this it will be seenithatthegrippin meansv I 5 is actuated to grip the wire W subsequent to the projection fo the means I5 and atv the completion of the wirewrapping operation of the ring II.

As described above, the first grippingmeansvv I4 grips and holds the, cut. end portion ofthe wire W prior to, and during the wrapping, of the wire around the article or box B and the grippingmeans I5 remainsin a retracted condition during thewrapping ofthe wire around the box.` When the ringv II. approaches, the end ofits travel the gripping means I5' is projected and is controlled or operated to grip, the portion |30 ofthe wire W- extending from the means I2 tothe tie,` forming meansV I6. Just before .the ring I I reaches the end of its movementthe means |5 moves out and the portion` |30 of thewire W rides over the pointed end of the` body |00 and snaps into position against the anvil part |0| and. the jaw |02.E is released` as described above, to grip the wire;r Thus at the completion of they wrapping of the wire W around the box-B the gripping.` means la and I5 are in gripping engagement. with the opposite ends of the loop of wire engaging about the box and the overlapping portions of-1 the Wire loop. are entered in the tie forming.y means I6 .to be twisted together to form a tie.

The invention includesmeans for engaging the clutchrC whenthe ring II approaches-orreaches the endf-otits movement, the engagementofltlfierv clutch C .puttingv the variouselements of the tie forming mechanismvinto operation. The clutchV controlling` or actuating means is: operated or controlledeby-the-'cam-face-69 on the ring II. A- bracket |3| is secured to-an endotthecase 4| and has bearingsY |32 rotatablyisupportingia substantially horizontal shaft |33-(seeLFig; 4). A

blade-|-34 is fixed or -keyed-to the shaft |33fandf normallyprojects downwardly atthe clutch C. A collar ISE-is keyedto the shaft v"Sand-aspringurged dog |36 is shiftablykeyed-in aradial notch.

in the collar. The -dog- |3|is adaptedltoengage in any one of' a plurality of internalnotches |31 in a-drum |38 iixedonthe sleeve 82.- The-blade- |34 initially cooperates with theclutchedog |36J to hold the dog retracted andclear-ot the drinn dog |36 andth'e'dog is -freed to engagel in one ofthe Vnotches |31;

161with'the driving sleeve'32 to initiatefrotation ofthe various camelements, etc.; ofthe tie-form- The engagement rofA the dog |36 in'oneof` the notches |31'clutches theA shaft* ,threaded onr the outer part` off the pin` |542.

hel-ical. spring |56 surrounds thefpinf |54and1s;

clutch` C. is` engaged; substantially." simultaneouslitf with the: projection; andVVV release or; actuation-f of: the gripping means I5;

Novel and improved means is providedrr` to put* additional tension on theiwire looprengagedabout' the box B prior to the formation; of. the'vtiei` in the wire- W to assure the tight binding of the box; The tensioning means acts oni o'r' shifts'. the rst gripping means |4`subsequent'to-the1profjectionfA and actuation ofi the gripping meansi I5.` sovthat onev end ofthel wire loop engageabout the boxB is anchoredjby the' means |5'while the.' other end is shifted by the: means I4. to` impose the additional tension on the loop. 'Firewire' tensioning means includes axbell crank |4|apiv Y otally carried by a bracket. |42 projectlrigffroml an endcofjthe case 4| (see Fig'. 3). One: armrof.r the bell crank |4| projectsirrto the case14=| fors? actuation by cam` means in the? case.. Cams`|43 and |44 are keyedfxto the shaftsv 16. and 18.; rei,- spectively, and .engage a` roller |45 rotatably supe portedby a lever |46 pivoted' on the shaft= |22; An operative connection is= providedibetweenf the upper endv of the rollerV lever |46 and-the inner arm' of the bell crank |44.. A 1ink,|41 hasla uni-'11v versal connection |481with1the upper endof` the? lever |46 and has asimilaruniversal connection |49 with the innerarm of the" bellcrank |4"|g (see Fig. 16).

The wire tensioning i means further" includes?"ai` novell spring loaded.v connectionv .betweenl the-bell. crankv |4| and the'carrierf'a ofthe rstgripping means- L4 (see Figs. 3 and 16 ofrthe"drawingsl-. This spring loaded connection includesa.doublje2 armed4 lever |50 pivotally carried by. thefoute'rf arm ofjthe bell crank |4I. The outei'f ann-off' the bell. crank |41 may bedivide'd or yokedtore44 ceive thei inner. arm of the lever |50. Aiyok'e |151 on the outer arm: of the` lever |50" engagesibe'f'-A tween shoulders |52 on the. carrier 86to'tran`semitmov'ement from the lever' |50 tofthefcarrier- 85.- The bell crank 4| has anabutmenti|53iadfijacent its pivotal axis'and presentedrv by its out'n arm'v andfa pin I54..projects outwardly@fr'o'n'rlf'vth-ev abutment. A cap or,l nut |55 is` adjustably as a yieldable movementA transmitting' elemen Upon movement of the bell crank' |4'| ini the? other direction the inner arm of the lever"|f cooperates with the abutmentl to provide a1' the -bell` crank |4'| andthe lever |50;

The cams|43 and |44 are formed and timedto. pivotthe bell crank |4| in a direction to.v mover-- the grippingmeans Moutwardlyfor away fromthe ytie` forming. means I6 following.- the" above.A described wrapping of the vwire LW abouty Ythe box'e B' and f following the projection and actua/tion fof?? the grippingfmeans I5;l Theoutwardimovementf.

ver'l50'and` the bell crank |4| and'thus serves*v positive movement transmittingfd'rive between-.

on the box B, that is, it tightens the wire loop on thebo'x, taking up any slack there may be in the loop and causing the wire W to closely conform to the sides of the box. It is to be observedl that the movement of the means I4 to tension the wire W is effected through the spring-loaded connection just described. The spring |56 yields when a suitable tension is put on the wire loop engaged about the article or box B, yielding to prevent excessive tightening of the wire and to prevent breaking of the wire. By adjusting the nut |55 the tension puton the loop engaging about the boxfBV` may be regulated or varied. The first gripping means 4 dwells, following the tensioning of .the wire on the box B as just described, that is, the cams |44 and |43 are formed to hold thev means I4 stationary during the tie forming and wire severing operations.

The tie forming means I6 operates to twist togetherr the overlapping portions of the wire loop engaged about the box B to secure the binding Orloop to the box. The means I6 includes a twisting pinion |51 provided with a longitudinal wire receiving slot |58 of the usual form (see Figs. 13, 14 and 15 of the drawings). The pinion |51 is carried between spaced plates |58 on the bracket 85 and projects beyond the outer ends of the plates |59 to be free and exposed. Inwardly projecting bearing parts, |60 on the plates |59 extend into the opposite ends of the pinion |51 and bearing blocks |60a on the plates |59 engage the external end parts of the pinion to rotatably support thepinion. The forward ends of the plates |59 and bearing parts |60 are cut away to leave the ends of the slot |58 .open at the ODDOSte ends of the Pinion. The slot |58 is adapted to receive the overlapping parts of the wire box binding loop as illustrated in Fig. 13 ofthe drawings. When the pinion |51 is rotated, while the wire parts are held separated by the means I1, the overlapping parts of the wire are twisted together to form a ltie in the wire loop. This operation-is common to wire tying machines of the class provided by this invention.

The means for operating or rotating the twist-- The gear |63 drives an idler gear |64 which in turn meshes with the twisting pinion |51. The idler gear |64 is carried by a shaft |65 supported by the bearing blocks |606 on the spaced plates |59 and the pinion |62 and gear |63 are carried by a parallel shaft |66. The pinion |62 may be fixed to or formed integral with the gear |63. The shaft |66 is supported by suitable bearing parts Aon the bracket 85. Cain means is provided to control and operate the sector gear |6|. Complementary cams |61 and |68 are keyed to theshafts 16 and 18, respectively, and cooperate with a roller |09 rotatably mounted on the sector gear |6| to positively turn the gear in both directions. The cams |61 and |68 are shaped and set to cause rotation of the twisting pinion |51 through several complete revolutions to form the tie in the wire W. This tie forming operation' is subsequent to the projection of the means |1, as will be later described. The twisting pinion |51 is rotated to form the tie and stops in a position where its slot |58 is facing downwardly and the wire is severed at this time. The turning of the pinion |51 is then continued to brngthe cut ends of the wire to positions where they face the box B. This brings the pinion |51 to a position where its slot is above or beyond a horizontal plane and the cams |61 and |68 are formed to cause the pinion |51 to stop in this position and then turn back to bring the slot |58 to a substantially horizontal outwardly facing position. The reversed turning of the pinion |51 relieves the torque on the tied wire loop and the pinion |51 s0 that the tie is freed for easy ejection from the slot |58. The slight reversal of the pinion |51 does not untwist the tie but leaves a set, tight twist in the wire W.

The means |1 is operable to engage between the parts of the wire W adjacent the ends of the twisting pinion |51 prior to and during the tie forming operation to assure the correct twisting or tying of the wire, is operable to sever the end portions of the wire adjacent the tie subsequent to the formation of the tie and is operable to eject the tie from the pinion slot |58 following the severing operation. Due to the looping or wrapping of the wire W about the box B and the tensioning of the wire loop onto the box the loop portions of the wire W pass upwardly around the box B at an angle to the horizontal while the wire portion |30 and the wire portion extending to the gripper |4 extend outwardly and downwardly at angles to the horizontal. The means |1 includes parts projectable outwardly between the angularly related wire parts to maintain the wire parts separated and in the angular relation.

These wire separating parts are in the nature of somewhat pointed fingers |10 projecting from theouter or forward ends of shiftable block-s |1 The blocks are shiftably guided between the plates |59 and similar plates |12 on the bracket 85 to have their forward parts adjacent the opposite ends of the twisting pinion |51. The fingers |10 are adapted to engage betweenl the angularly related parts of the wire W adjacent the opposite ends of the twisting pinion |51. The lower sides of the fingers |10 may be flat and substantially horizontal while the upper sides of the fingers slope upwardly and inwardly to outwardly facing shoulders |13 on the blocks |1|. Notches |14 are provided in the lower sides of the ngers |10 to receive the wire W for the severing operation, as will be later described.

The mechanisrnfor operating the means I1 includes complementary cams |15 and |16 keyed to the shafts 16 and 18, respectively. A roller lev er |11 is pivotally supported by the shaft |22 and projects upwardly in the case 4| adjacent the cams |15 and |16. A roller |18 is rotatably carried by the lever |11 to be engaged by the cams |15 and |16 so that the lever |11 is operated by the cams. A link |19 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the lever |11 and extends outwardly or rearwardly through the case 4| to a cross-head |86. The link |10 is guided in an opening |8| in the case 4| and is fixed to the cross-head |80. Rods |82 are connected to the cross-head and extend forwardly through the case 4| to connect with the blocks |1|, The cams |15 and |16 are shaped and set to cause the projection of the fingers |10 immediately following the above described tensioning of the wire W on the box B. The fingers |10 remain projected during the tie forming operation and upon completion of the tie the cams |15 and |16 cause retraction of the blocks |1| and the lingers |10.

The retraction of the wire separating ngers |10 effects thesevering of thefree wire parts at the ends of the tie` `Knife plates |83 of suitable hardened material are set in the outer forward corner parts of the plates |59. The knife plates |83 are in cooperative relation to the wire receiving ynotches |14. When the blocks |1| are retracted as above described the wire carrying notches |14 cooperate with the knife plates |83 to sever the wire. Fig. 14 illustrates the condition of the parts immediately following the severing operation and shows the wire binding loop with the tie remaining intact, and shows the wire portion |30 and the wire tailing |84 cut free from the tie.

Immediately following the severing operation just described the means I1 serves to eject the tie from the twisting pinion |51. The cams |15 and |18 cooperate with the roller |18 to cause a second projection of the blocks |1| at the completion of the wire severing operation. When the blocks |1| are projected the shoulders |13 on the blocks I1| engage the wire of the box binding loop to move the tie forwardly out of the slot |58 of the pinion |51. The tension of the box binding loop causes the tie and the adjacent portion of the wire loop to snap upwardly clear of the pinion |51 to closely lie against the under Aside of the article or box B. It is to be observed that the holding means 9 is retracted at this time so that the object or box B is free to shift when the tie is ejected. Immediately following the ejection of the tie from the pinion |51 the cams |15 and |16 act on the roller |18 to cause retraction of the blocks I1I and the blocks remain retracted until the next tying operation.

The means I8 for rethreading the tie forming mechanism is a feature of the invention. The

means I8 shifts and controls the rst gripping means I4 following the tie forming, wire severing and tie ejecting operations to bring the first gripping means I4 to a position adjacent the second gripping means I5 to receive the cut end portion of the wire protruding from the means I5, then releases or frees the second gripping means I5 from the wire W and then brings the first gripping means I4 back to its original position to rethread the wire W through the twisting pinion |51 and thus condition the tie forming mechanism for the next operation.

The rst gripping means I4 is restored to its initial position and is released to discharge the wire tailing I 84 before it is actuated or shifted by the means i8 to re-thread the machine. The above described cams |43 and 44 act on the roller |45 to shift the bell crank 4|, the lever 50 and the carrier 85 to restore the gripping means I4 to the position it assumed before the wire wrapping operations started. A cam |85 is fixed to the shaft 18 and is engageable with a roller I 86 carried by a lever |81 (see Fig. 12). The lever |81 is pivotally supported at an end of the case 4| and projects from the front of the case to be in the operative relation to the plunger 94 of the gripping means I4. Afspring |88 is connected with the lever |81 to hold the roller |86 against the cam |85 and to return the lever |81 after actuation by the cam. The cam |85 is formed to swing the lever |81 upwardly to depress the plunger 94 to free the gripping jaw 90 from the wire W. This allows the wire tailing |84 to discharge from the gripping means I4. A spring arm or ejector |89 may be provided on the carrier 86 to eject the wire tailing |84 when the jaw 90 is released. The lever or pawl 91 is actuated by the spring 99 to engage its lug 98 in the teeth 92 when the jaw 90 is opened, as just described. The opening or releasing of the gripping means I4 and the ejection of the wire tailing |84 from the means I4 occurs during or following the restoration of the means I4 from its wire tensioning position to its initial position.

The rel-threading means I8 includes a cam |90 keyed to the main shaft 18 (see Fig. 21). A lever I 9| is pivotally supported by the shaft |22 and carries a roller |92 engageable by the cam |90. A link |93 is pivotally connected with the upper end of the lever I9| and a spring |94 is connected with the link |93 to urge the roller |92 against the cam |90 and to return the lever |9| and the link |93, as will be apparent. A collar |95 has a sliding key connection |98 with the carrier 86 and has a pivotal connection |91 with theiforward end of the link |93. The collar |95 is associated with one of the bearings 81 to be held against longitudinal movement thereby. Following the ejection of the wire tailing |84 from the means I4 the cam |90 pivots the lever I 9| to move the link |93 and thus cause turning of the carrier 88. The carrier 86 is turned to swing the rst gripping means I4 downwardly and outwardly out of alignment with the twisting pinion Immediately following the out swinging of the gripping means |4 the cams |43 and |44 cooperating with the roller |45 operate the bell crank I 4| to shift the carrier 88 axially. This moves the gripping means I4 to aposition in a vertical plane between the second gripping means I5 and the adjacent block |1I 'of the means I1. The cam |90'is shaped and timed to allow the spring |94 to shift the link |93 and turn the carrier 88 immediately following the horizontal shifting of the carrier and the gripping means I4. The turning of thevcarrier brings the iirst gripping means I4 to a position in horizontal alignment with and in wire receiving relation to the second gripping means I5 (see Fig. 10). The jaw of the rst gripping means I4 is held open by the lug 98, as described above, and when the means I4 swings upwardly and inwardly the cut end portion of the wire W is received between the jaw 90 and the anvil part 89.

The means I8 further includes a control for actuating or releasing the jaw 90 of the gripping means I4 to grip the wire W and for immediately thereafter disengaging the gripping jaw |02 of the means I5 from the Wire W. This control includes a dog 200 pivoted on the bracket 85 to project from the face of the machine (see Fig. 7). A notch 20| is provided in the under side of the dog 200. The control further includes a lever 282 pivoted on a projecting boss of a bearing 81. The lever 202 extends under the dog 200 and one end portion of the lever is received in the notch 20| to provide a connection between the lever and dog. A spring 203 acts on the lever 202 to urge the dog 200 to an up or inactive position. rI'he end portion of the lever 202 most remote from the dog 200 is shaped to have engagement with a roller 204 on the above described pin ||8. When the second gripping means I5 is active and in gripping engagement with the wire W the pin I|8 is in the outer end of the slot I I1 and the cooperation of the roller 204 withth'e lever 202 is such that the dog 200 is in its inactive or up position. A freely turnable roller 205 is carried by the gear 80 to project from one face thereof. The roller` 205 is engageable with the lever I2| (see Fig. 22).

The roller 205 cooperates with the lever I 2| following the above described operations to shift the link |20 and pivot the bell crank IIS. This pivoting of the bell crank'l I 9 first moves the pin I8 through the slot I |1 without affecting'the link IIB, the link being held by the spring 10. The pin I|8 thus moved through the slot |I1 has its roller 204 act on the lever 202 to pivot the lever 202 and to pivot the associated dog 200. The dog 200 is pivoted downwardly to act on the projecting trigger part of the lever or pawl 91 of the .first gripping means I4. This movement o-f the pawl 91 releases its lug 98 from the teeth 92 so that the spring 96 operates the jaw 90 into gripping cooperation with the wire W. Further movement of the bell crank I|9 resulting from engagement of the roller 205 with the lever |2| brings the pin IIS against the inner end of the slot |I1 so that the link IIB is moved. vThis movement of the lever I I6 swings the jaw |02' of the gripping means |5 to a released position. From the above it will be observed that the first gripping means I 4 isactuated to grip the wire W just before the second gripping means I5fis opened or released and that a. single control serves to actuate the means I4 andvtorelease the means I5.

The rethreading means I8 further provides. for the freeing of the wire W from the lreleased or opened gripping means I5. A cam 206 isrkeyed to the shaft 16V and a lever 201 is supported by the shaft |22 to be adjacent the cam 208. The upper end of the lever201 has a pivotal connection 208 with the link |03 and lever 201 carries a rotatable roller 203 engageable by the cam 205. The cam-206 is engageable with the roller-209 to shift the body of the means I5 forwardly. This forward movement of the gripping means I occurs immediately following the actuation of the gripping means I 4 and the release of the gripping means I5. Simultaneously with the forward movement of the gripping means I5 the cam |90 acts on the roller |92 to turn the carrier 86, swinging the gripping means I4 downwardly and outwardly.V During the outward movement of the second gripping means I5 the downward and outward swinging of the gripping means I4, which is in gripping engagement with the wire `W, swings the wire free of the anvil part |0I of the meansj |5. The second gripping meansV I5 is moved to a retracted position following the disengagement of the wire W from it. AA cam 2| 0 is keyed-tothe shaft 1B and has a part cooperable with the roller 209to move the second gripping means |5 to a fully retracted position following the disengagement of the wire W from the means I5. AThe spring latch 2II cooperates with the notch 2 I2 to releasably latch the means I5 in its retracted position. j Y

Following the active engagement of the first gripping" means I4 with the cut' end ofthe wirev W and 'the subsequent downward swinging of the means I4 there-threading means provides for vthe shifting of the gripping meansr I4 back across the front of the machine'to the vertical planeof its initial position. The cams |43 'and |44 areformed andtimed to cause pivoting of the bell" crank |4| 'and appropriate longitudinal movement of the carrier 88 to shift the gripping means I4 back to the vertical plane of its initialposition. The gripping means I4 moving horizontally in front of the twisting pinion |51 draws vthe wire W along with it, the wire being entirely clear of the twisting vpinion.- YWhen the gripping means I4 reaches theend of its lhorizontal return movement the spring |94 draws back' the link |93 and turns the carrier 86 to swing the vfirst 1 gripping Vmeans VI4 back 'tof its *|58 of the twisting pinion |51.

assegaes initial active position in horizontal alignment with the twisting pinion |51. During the up- .ward swinging of the gripping means I4 to its initial position the wire W snaps into the slot This completes the reethreading operation.

It is to be observed that the re-threading means I6 operates to move the first gripping means I4 along a predetermined path from its initial position to a position in wire receiving relation to the second gripping means I5, to re-engage the gripping means I4 with the cut end portion ofthe wire W, to release the second gripping means I5 from the wire W and to then return the rst gripping means I4 along the said predetermined path to its initial active position. The re-threading of the tie mechanism is entirely automatic and requires no manual manipulation of the wire W or other parts.

The invention includes means for reconditioning the bell crank |24 so that it may latch the jaw |02 of the second gripping means I5 open when the means I5 is released from the wire W as described above in connection with the rethreading operations. A rotatable roller 2 I3 projects from the end of the collar |35 of the clutch C and is engageable with a lever 2I4. The lever 2I4 is supported by a suitable bracket 2| 5 and is spring-urged to a position for engagement by the roller 2| 3. The lever 2I4 has an end part adapted to cooperate with the control member |21 to pivot the same downwardly. The roller 2|3 pivots the lever 2I4 shortly after the second gripping means I5 has been projected to initially grip the wire W. When the'control member |21 is moved downwardly'by the lever 2|4 the notch |28 is disengaged from the lug |29 and the shoulder |40 is freed from'the arm |39. The spring |26 then urges the control member |21 toward its initial position. During the restoration of the control member |21 the bell crank |24 is pivoted to a position to engage under the bell crank IIS. Accordingly, when the jaw |02 of the means I5 is opened, by the action of the roller 205 and the movement of the bell crank |I9, the active upper end of the bell crank |24 moves up behind the bell crank ||9 to latch the jaw |02 open. The jaw |02 of the gripping means I5 remains open until the cam face 69 acts on the fingers 1| to operate the control member |21 and pivot the bell crank |24 when the ring approaches the end of its wire wrapping movement. It is to be observed that the restoration of the control member |21 frees the arm |39 so that the clutch blade |34 is conditioned for re-engagement with the clutch dog |36. The lug |29 engagingk the upper edge of the control member |21 holds the member free of the arm |39 on the clutch control shaft |33.

The invention includes a novel interlocking means or pedal control for preventing rotation or actuation of the wire wrapping ring |I during the tie forming operations. This pedal control includes a lever 2|1 freely pivotedon the yoke shaft 52 and extending to the clutch C. A spring ZIB normally urges the lever 2|1 upwardly. The spring 2I8 may be utilized to hold the above described lever 2| 4 in position. The'lever2l1 is provided with a shoulder 2I9` adapted to engage a latch part 220 on the upper end of the lever 60. The'lever 80 is fixed to the shaft 6| and the shaft extends under the case 4|. A collar 22| is fixed to the shaft BI and has a projecting finger 222 engageable'by a collar 223 on the above described link |08. When the cam face 69 co- 

